Joy for royal-linked family as baby boy is born

A NEW member of a family with strong historic ties to West Wales has been welcomed into the world, as Lady Tatiana Mountbatten, the daughter of the Marquess of Milford Haven, announced the birth of her son.

The 34-year-old, who is a second cousin to King Charles III, shared the joyful news with her followers on Instagram on Sunday (Apr 13), posting tender photographs with her newborn, husband Alexander ‘Alick’ Dru, and daughter Elodie, who was born in September 2023.

Lady Tatiana is the daughter of George Mountbatten, 4th Marquess of Milford Haven.

​The title “Marquess of Milford Haven” was created in 1917 for Prince Louis of Battenberg, who had previously served as First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy.

Amidst the anti-German sentiment during World War I, he relinquished his German titles and adopted the anglicised surname “Mountbatten.”

The Milford Haven waterway, with its rich maritime history and has been home to a significant naval base and commercial fishing port. The town’s deep natural harbour has been used for naval purposes since the late 18th century, and it played a crucial role during both World Wars.

The naming of the marquessate after Milford Haven reflects the town’s importance in British naval history.

In her post, Tatiana revealed her son’s name – Auberon, affectionately known as ‘Albie’. “March might just have been the best month of my life,” she wrote, reflecting on a peaceful period spent with her young family in the Hampshire countryside, away from the bustle of London.

She described her daughter’s excitement at becoming a big sister and shared a touching image of baby Auberon clutching her finger, alongside family scenes of daisy-picking and garden play.

Tatiana said: “We’ve played, rested, nourished, slept a little, loved a lot and enjoyed every minute of the glorious spring weather… Now it’s time to head back to London and discover what our new normal looks like.”

Local interest in the royal-connected family remains strong, particularly due to the Mountbattens’ association with Milford Haven and their lineage linked to Queen Victoria and Prince Louis of Battenberg.

Followers flooded her post with messages of congratulations. One wrote: “Oh my goodness, my heart is absolutely exploding for you!” Another joked: “When are you buying the first pony?!”

The happy news comes not long after another royal birth, with Princess Beatrice welcoming a baby girl, Athena Elizabeth Rose, in January. Despite being born prematurely, Athena is said to be healthy and thriving.

WITH the cost of living still putting pressure on many Pembrokeshire families, it’s good to see some local businesses stepping up this Easter to make eating out a little easier.

From cafes to pubs, a number of places across Mid and South Pembrokeshire are offering free or discounted meals for children during the school holidays. Here’s our Herald guide to where kids can eat free – or for just £1 – this Easter break:

MORRISONS CAFÉ – HAVERFORDWEST
Offer: One free kids’ meal with every adult meal purchased for £4.49 or more.
Availability: All day, every day, including during the Easter holidays.
Bonus: Free Kellogg’s breakfast (cereal, milk, fruit) when you ask for a “Kellogg’s Breakfast” at the counter.

TESCO CAFÉ – HAVERFORDWEST, PEMBROKE DOCK, MILFORD HAVEN
Offer: Kids eat free with any adult purchase during the Easter holidays.
Highlight: Pick ‘N’ Mix lunch deal includes a sandwich, fruit, two snacks, and a drink.

TRAVELODGE – PEMBROKE DOCK
Offer: Up to two children (15 or under) eat breakfast for free with every paying adult.
Availability: Every day, including Easter.

PREMIER INN – HAVERFORDWEST AND ST DAVIDS
Offer: Up to two children (15 or under) eat breakfast for free with every paying adult.
Availability: Every day, including Easter.

SA BRAINS PUBS
Offer: Kids eat for £1 with the purchase of an adult main meal.
Availability: All day every Wednesday.
Pembrokeshire Locations: Check your local Brains pub for participation.

NAUTICO’S RESTAURANT – MILFORD WATERFRONT
Offer: Kids eat for just £1 with every paying adult this Easter.
Availability: Throughout the Easter holidays.
Details: Enjoy a family meal by the coast – booking recommended. Call 01646 278060.

CAFÉ VINCENT – VINCENT DAVIES, HAVERFORDWEST

Offer: Kids eat free from the Little Pantry Children’s Menu with every adult main meal.
When: Monday to Friday, 12:00pm to 3:00pm, until Friday 25th April.
Note: Excludes breakfast items and sides.

WALDO LOUNGE – HAVERFORDWEST

Offer: Free healthy breakfast for children including cereal, fresh fruit and juice.
When: Easter holidays, daily from 9:00am to 10:30am.
Details: A relaxed morning offering for “little loungers” to start their day the healthy way.

Know of more local offers? Let us know and we’ll add them. Message us on Facebook.

WELSH WATER warns against dangers of unauthorised swimming in reservoirs: Llys y fran-36
With the Easter holidays upon us, Welsh Water is warning people not to risk their lives by unauthorised swimming in its reservoirs.

Every year in Wales, hundreds of individuals and families visit reservoirs and take to the water to swim, paddle, or use inflatables, putting their lives and the lives of others at risk, but unauthorised access to the water at reservoirs can kill and is never allowed.

Statistics show there is an average of 45 water related fatalities in Wales every year and the rate of accidental drowning in Wales is almost double that of the UK as a whole.

Reservoirs can be full of hidden dangers, including automatic machinery in the water that can operate at any time, and incredibly strong currents, that can pull under even the strongest swimmers. That’s why it’s best to only swim at the permitted reservoir sites.

The water also has freezing temperatures which can send swimmers into cold-water shock and there is a reduced chance of rescue in some areas due to the remote location of many reservoirs, often with little or no mobile reception.

The last few weeks have seen dry weather with plenty of spring sunshine, conditions that tempt some to take the plunge at reservoirs without realising the dangers involved.

Welsh Water’s Rangers patrol the company’s reservoirs, ensuring everyone is safe and dissuading unauthorised swimming in the water.

Maddy Rawlings, Head Ranger at Llandegfedd said: “We want everyone to enjoy the reservoir safely – which is why it’s important that any access to the reservoir only takes place during planned and life guarded activities or swim sessions. During my time as a Ranger at Llandegfedd, I have had countless encounters and incidents in which I have had to ask members of the public to leave the water due to the dangers involved, many of which they are unaware of. We aren’t here to spoil anyone having fun – we’re here to keep the public safe.’’

Private security companies have also been hired to help with this work.

Welsh Water do offer safe, supervised, and accredited open water swimming sessions at some Visitor Attraction sites across Wales. It also offers water sports, including paddle boarding and kayaking.

Jack Bailey, Activity Manager at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs in Cardiff said: “We know that open water swimming has great benefits for physical and mental wellbeing – but unauthorised swimming can pose serious risks. Always prioritise safety over spontaneity and book an organised open water swimming or cold water dipping session at one of our Welsh Water visitor attractions sites. We provide a safe way to enjoy the water, nature and the benefits they can bring.”

Welsh Water is part of Water Safety Wales, a group made up of organisations committed to working on water safety and drowning prevention in Wales.

Chris Cousens, Chair of Water Safety Wales said: “With the lovely weather we’ve been seeing, we know how tempting it can be to cool off in beautiful reservoirs. But even the strongest of swimmers can go into cold water shock and this can lead to drowning. We’re asking everyone to stay safe this summer by keeping out of the reservoirs. If you are in difficulty in the water, Float To Live – this means to relax and float on your back with your ears submerged in the water until the effects of cold water shock pass. You can them swim to safety or shout for help.

“If you see someone else in difficulty in the water in a reservoir, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Fire Service, tell the person in the water to Float To Live and throw them something that floats. Never go into the water to attempt a rescue yourself.”